Abstract:

Objective　To provide anatomical data for imaging diagnosis and endoscopic operation of the diseases of pterygopalatine space communications and its adjacent structures. 　Methods　40 volunteers were selected and scanned in series by spiral CT from canthomeatal line (CML). All original images were transferred to the CT three-dimensional reconstruction workstation, and the pterygopalatine space communications were reconstructed through its long axis and perpendicular axis to long axis by the multiplanar reformation (MPR) respectively. The position, shape and adjacent structures of pterygopalatine space communications were observed and measured.　Results　MPR reconstruction CT imaging could clearly display the position, shape and adjacent structures of pterygopalatine space communications, including the foramen rotundum, pterygoid canal, sphenopalatine foramen, inferior orbital fissure, pterygomaxillary fissure, pterygopalatine canal, greater palatine canal, lesser palatine canal, palatovaginal canal and vomerovaginal canal. Pterygopalatine space communications were symmetrical of left and right sides, there were no significant difference in the diameter (P>0.05). Foramen rotundum, pterygoid canal, palatovaginal canal and vomerovaginal canal located around the sphenoid sinus, slightly or obviously protruding into the cavity of sphenoid sinus. Foramen rotundum and pterygoid canal located in the superior and inferior of the cavity of sphenoid sinus, with the length of 4.05±0.81 mm and 14.49±1.60 mm respectively. It was clearly to show the adjacent relationship of pterygopalatine space communications on coronal imaging.　Conclusions　It is important for imaging diagnosis and endoscopic operation of the diseases of pterygopalation space communications and its adjacent structures, under CT reconstruction images.

Key words:  Pterygopalation space communication, Three-dimensional reconstruction, Multiplanar reformation, Computed tomography imaging